Today, Brian Eno published a letter formally announcing Together For Palestine, a benefit concert hosted at London's Wembley Arena on September 17 that will raise awareness and funds for Palestinian aid.
"Whether on stage or by video from around the world," he wrote in his letter, "this is a chance for us to stand together and say: this can’t continue."
"I’ve had the good fortune to work with some of the world’s most remarkable artists for over 50 years," Eno began. "But one of my biggest regrets is that during that time so many of us have remained silent about Palestine." He continued:
Often that silence has come from fear — real fear — that speaking out could provoke a backlash, close doors or end a career. But that’s now changing — partly because some artists and activists have lit the path, but mostly because the truth of what’s going on has become impossible to ignore. What we are witnessing in Gaza isn’t a mystery, and neither is it a blur of competing narratives making it 'hard to understand.'
...When dozens of non-partisan organizations like Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders describe it as a genocide, the moral line is clear.
We can't remain silent."
Especially in the UK, many musicians have faced censorship of varying degrees for their vocal support of ending the genocide and liberating Palestine from Israeli occupation. In response, a growing community of artists have rallied behind them, signing letters of support for them against the repeated actions of festivals cancelling sets and the government launching terrorist investigations, to name a few.
On July 17, Massive Attack, Kneecap, Fontaines DC, and more formed an official alliance for musicians facing "intimidations" from the industry and government for their support for Palestine, offering material and emotional support for artists concerned about raising their voice.
All the proceeds for Together For Palestine will be donated to Palestinian partners in Choose Love, a UK charity that directs funds to humanitarians working in conflict areas. Tickets start at £35/person, according to the official website, and they will go on sale on August 4 at 10 am BST (5 am ET). People can register for more information now.
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